
MIRAMAX - MIRAMAX
Release date: 2008-01-08
DVD
Director:Taika Waititi
Actors: Taika Waititi, Joel Tobeck, Loren Horsley, Jemaine Clement, David Fane
Absurd Comedy, Arrested Adolescence, Color, Comedies, Comedy, Comedy / Romantic Comedy, Comedy Video, Deadpan, English, Existential Crisis, Feature, Feature Film-comedy, Looking For Love, Mild Violence, Misfits and Outsiders, Movie, New Zealand, Obsessive Quests, Profanity, Quirky




Charming Quirkiness , is what comes to mind for me when I think of this movie; I loved it and fell in love with the characters right away.
This film is a bit sad - not in the "tragic" sense - but in the "people have difficulties" sense. Which does not diminish its charm.
The heroine, Lily, is adorable, lovable and memorable; the picture of forgiveness and patience. I particularly loved the relationship between she and Damon, her brother.
Jarrod, the other main character, is a bit funny and more than a bit weird, which is where the quirk comes in.
Part of the charm is the "not in America" feel of the film. You know, where the characters are the main focus, plot is something to work on and the snapshots of another country.
Jarrod is a doof and resembles an angrier, oafish, Napoleon Dynamite.
The differences between the two characters are age, nationality...New Zealand and a revengeful spirit.
This is also more adult in content than Napoleon D.
I would highly suggest this film to those who like Irish or British comedies.
PROS: > Nice break from the recent rash of Hollywood based "Napolean Dynomite-like faux indie rip offs" (Juno and Lil' Miss Sunshine excluded). This one is will remind you of Napolean Dynomite, but it still has a very original feel to it. In fact, in regard to the theme and content it is more of a grown up, euro version of Napolean Dynomite.
> Cinematography is beautiful! I wanted to buy plane tickets to New Zealand immediately after seeing this move.
> Funny bits.
CONS:
> The main plot is predictable, because you seen it all before a billion times since 1983 "Fast Times At Ridgemont High" introduced the "nerd/bully revenge theme". The romance bits and drama about life and family and growing up is where this movie excels!
> Some parts drag on a bit. And the humor gets muddled at times but I think its one of those movies that you can watch again and will definately laugh at parts you missed! Which is good for the DVD collectors.
I absolutely love this movie. It's one of those that has you laughing so hard you're crying but also makes you feel something. I've always had trouble in relationships, and I can't relate to the majority of people I see in movies but I related to Lily and Jarrod. That is how love really is-awkward and never what you expect it to be. Watch it, you'll be glad you did.